Understanding and Treating Warts: A Case of a 10-Year-Old Patient
At Village Dermatology, we frequently see children for common skin concerns like warts, which can cause discomfort and emotional distress for both the child and their family. Today, we’re sharing the story of a 10-year-old boy, an established patient at our Katy and Memorial Houston offices, who came in for treatment of warts located on his right elbow and upper arm.
Case Overview
The young patient presented with enlarging, pink, cauliflower-like papules on his right elbow, distal lateral posterior upper arm, and lateral elbow. These lesions, medically referred to as Verruca Vulgaris, had not been previously treated. The patient appeared well-nourished, well-developed, and in no acute distress, with a cheerful demeanor during the visit. His mother and our skilled medical assistant were present throughout the examination.
What Are Verruca Vulgaris?
Verruca Vulgaris, or common warts, are benign skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They often appear as rough, raised bumps that can have a cauliflower-like texture. In children, warts frequently occur on the hands, elbows, or knees, areas prone to minor trauma, making the skin susceptible to HPV.
Treatment Approach: Cryotherapy
After evaluating the patient, we determined that cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen would be the best treatment option. Cryotherapy is a safe and effective way to freeze and destroy the wart tissue, allowing the skin to heal and regenerate.
Procedure Details:
A total of six lesions were treated during the session.
The liquid nitrogen was applied to the warts, causing controlled tissue damage to remove the lesions.
We discussed the potential side effects, including crusting, scabbing, blistering, scarring, pigmentary changes, recurrence, incomplete removal, and infection. The patient’s mother provided informed consent for the procedure.
Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up
After cryotherapy, it’s normal to see temporary redness, blistering, or scabbing in the treated area. We advised the family to:
Keep the area clean and dry.
Avoid picking or scratching the treated lesions to minimize the risk of infection or scarring.
Notify our office if signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pain, occur.
The patient’s next follow-up appointment will help us assess the progress of healing and determine if additional treatments are needed.
Managing and Preventing Warts
To prevent the recurrence or spread of warts, we recommend:
Encouraging your child to avoid picking at warts.
Practicing good hygiene, including washing hands regularly.
Covering warts with bandages, especially in school or sports settings, to prevent spreading the virus.
Conclusion
Warts are a common and treatable skin condition in children. At Village Dermatology, we provide compassionate care and effective treatment options, such as cryotherapy, to help patients regain confidence and comfort in their skin.
If your child has warts or other skin concerns, visit our dedicated page on warts to learn more about treatment options, or contact us to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together to ensure healthy, happy skin for your child.